Get active with the world’s best at an exciting new venue

The world’s top triathletes are returning to the capital to compete in the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi in March, and this year, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Moving to a new home, the event will take place on Yas Island this year and will take place over two days, bringing 3,500 trithletes, including 120 of the best elite competitors, in a head-to-head battle to the finish line on 3rd and 4th March.

Organiser, Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), is hoping to double registration numbers by 2019 as residents take on the triple threat of a swim, bike and run around Yas Island.

Elite performers will begin the event with a two-lap swim in Yas Marina before taking on a 40km bike ride comprising of seven loops around the island before completing the challenge by taking on a 10km run ending at Yas Marina Circuit’s helipad.

Already two of the world’s top five triathletes – include Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic bronze medallist Henri Schoeman and two-time Olympian Richard Murray – have signed up with many more top professionals expected to join them on the lineup.

But the event is not just for the pros; anyone can sign up to take on the challenge.

Age group courses come in three different distances but will still take participants around Yas Island to take in the amazing scenery and atmosphere as they compete.

The Sprint (for beginners) category involves a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run, Olympic includes a 1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run while the Maxi involves a 1500m swim, 80km cycle and 20km run.

If you don’t think you can make it on your own then assemble a team and take on one of the events as a relay, meaning that three people can each take on one discipline that they are most comfortable with.

The Junior Triathlon also returns this year with four categories encouraging youngsters to take part and be more active.

HE Aref Al Awani, general secretary at ADSC, said: “Yas Island is the perfect fit for the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.

“The new venue provides fantastic accommodation options and training facilities for the athletes, as well as a rock-solid event infrastructure platform allowing us to deliver on our overarching objective of 6,000 athletes on the 2019 start line.

“We expect to see a 60 percent increase in regional and international participation this year, with professional and amateur racers travelling from all corners of the world to compete around the picturesque wonders of Yas Island.”

Registration is now open here with tickets starting from AED 450 for adults and AED 60 for children.